MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Using toxic fumes as a weapon dates back to around 2000 B.C. Only in the last century have chemical weapons developed into such deadly systems capable of inflicting mass casualties.

Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear defense specialist Marines routinely conduct training to teach fellow service members to react quickly and correctly to CBRN attacks, explained Lance Cpl. Alexander Wilkinson, a CBRN specialist with Marine Aircraft Group 11.

CBRN specialists train Marines in all things relating to chemical warfare defense including gas chamber qualification and decontamination of hazmat areas, explained Wilkinson.

Marines desiring to become a CBRN specialist must first attend a three-month course at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., where they are taught about chemical and biological warfare agents, physiological symptoms and effects, treatment, detection and identification of agents and the history of chemical warfare, explained Wilkinson.

A large part of the CBRN specialist’s training consists of plotting, which refers to plotting the points of chemical attacks on a map and then determining the fallout area.

“Based on the wind speed, wind direction and type of attack we are able to determine exactly who will be affected and when,” said Cpl. Neal A. Davidson, the CBRN defense platoon sergeant with Marine Aircraft Group 16.

CBRN Marines also handle logistical issues while deployed. They distribute hazmat, chemical and biological defense gear and also handle many other duties.

When a CBRN attack takes place these Marines are the first responders. The CBRN Marines also take on the responsibility of responding to hazardous material spills to assist the fire department and other agencies, explained Wilkinson.

These Marines also have another military occupational specialty used strictly for homeland defense. The Chemical Biological Incident Reaction Force trains specifically for the Washington, D.C. area. They use the most modern CBRN equipment to counteract domestic attacks, explained Wilkinson.

Since World War I, chemical weapons have been an ever present reality on the battlefield. Now, in modern warfare, chemical weapons are no longer restricted to the battlefield, they may be used at any time, anywhere by anyone. Due to this fact, the CBRN Marines continue to train to protect Corps and country.